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What does a cold thyroid nodule mean?

Dr. Dr. Anil Bhandari, MD,  - Internal Medicine specialist at 1245 Wilshire Blvd Ste 580Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dr. Anil Bhandari, MD

1245 Wilshire Blvd Ste 580Los Angeles, CA 90017 Internal Medicine

Expert Medical Information

Normal thyroid tissue has a strong ability to selectively uptake or concentrate iodine. When thyroid nodules are detected, thyroid static planar imaging is required to determine the nature of the nodules. A cool thyroid nodule refers to a nodule where the radioactivity is reduced compared to the surrounding normal thyroid tissue or where there is no radioactive concentration, respectively called cool nodules and cold nodules, indicating hypofunctional or non-functional nodules. Pathologically, malignant lesions account for about 20.3% of cool and cold nodules, followed by benign degenerative lesions such as thyroid cysts, cystic degeneration of adenomas, hemorrhage, or calcification. Some believe that benign cold nodules have clear edges, regular shapes, and no destruction of thyroid tissue. In contrast, cancerous nodules have unclear edges, irregular contours, and distorted thyroid morphology due to tissue destruction, but a definitive diagnosis requires pathological examination.

Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and discomfort in the affected area. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment options vary based on the specific condition, severity, and individual health factors. They may include medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, rapid worsening of condition, or if self-care measures aren't providing relief within a reasonable timeframe.